Our eyes are remarkable organs, crucial for our day-to-day functioning and experiences. In fact, they are considered the second most complex organ in the human body, second only to our brains, with over two million working parts. Notably, around 80% of all learning occurs through what we see. Given this importance, it's vital to understand how to care for our eyes properly—and even more importantly, what pitfalls to avoid.

Recently, during an enlightening discussion on HuffPost’s podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?”, hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Amanda Redfern, an esteemed ophthalmologist and assistant professor at Oregon Health & Science University’s Casey Eye Institute. Dr. Redfern had a stark warning for all contact lens users: **Never sleep with your contact lenses in!**

“It’s like playing Russian roulette,” she cautioned. This seemingly small act could set off a series of serious consequences, including corneal ulcers, which are painful infections that can develop on the part of the eye your contact lens covers.

While it might not happen every time, when it does strike, the effects can be catastrophic. “In the worst-case scenario, you could lose your eyeball,” Dr. Redfern stated. Even less severe incidents can leave you with scarring on your cornea, which could compromise your vision long-term without intervention like a corneal transplant.

Furthermore, Dr. Redfern warns against exposing your contacts to nonsterile environments, such as swimming in pools or lakes, or even showering while wearing them. “When lenses trap bacteria against your cornea, it can lead to infections with potentially serious complications,” she explained. Using tap water to rinse or store contacts is also a no-go.

What if you’re on vacation and forgot your contact lens solution? Dr. Redfern recommends tossing out your lenses instead of risking sleeping in them or using tap water. “Both options are dreadful,” she said. “I’d rather you walk around a bit blurry than put your eyes at risk.”

To protect your vision optimally, Dr. Redfern emphasizes the importance of proper eye protection. “Whenever I'm involved in DIY projects, whether hammering or sawing, I always wear protective eyewear,” she revealed. She advised against trying to remove foreign objects lodged in your eye—cover it with a paper cup instead and seek medical help immediately, as attempting to remove it yourself could worsen the situation.

Dr. Redfern also debunked several common myths about eye health, such as reading in the dark ruining your vision. If you're experiencing floaters in your vision, it’s essential to consult a doctor, as they can sometimes indicate more serious health issues.

For more insights from Dr. Redfern on maintaining healthy eyesight, listen to the full podcast episode and don’t forget to follow her on social media for continued updates on eye care.

Protect your vision today—your eyes will thank you tomorrow!